PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 18: News

A/N: Listen to Avrai by Claudio Baglioni
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The crew, reassured by the arrangement, nodded. They knew it wasn't preferable, but they accepted that it was necessary for the time being.
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Meredith, Andrew, and the other medical staff had been poring over the CT scan results. Their expressions were grave as they huddled around the images on the computer screen. The room was filled with a tension that they couldn't hide.

Dr. Meredith Grey took a deep breath before addressing Carina, who was pacing anxiously nearby. "Carina, the scans show that Maya's pneumonia has worsened significantly. We're seeing extensive pneumonia in both lungs, and it's spreading rapidly."

Carina said "She needs surgery doesn't she."

Meredith nodded, her expression solemn. "Yes, given the severity of her condition and the progression of the pneumonia, surgery appears to be the best course of action. We'll need to perform a decortication procedure and possibly a lobectomy on the left lung, as that's the more affected side at the moment."

Carina, her eyes wide with concern, swallowed hard. "Will the surgery be risky? What are the chances of complications?"

Meredith, not wanting to sugarcoat anything, but also reassuring, responded. "Surgery always carries some degree of risk, especially in a case like this. Considering Maya's weakened state due to the pneumonia, the surgery could be challenging. We'll do everything we can to ensure a safe and successful procedure, but we cannot guarantee there won't be complications."

Carina nodded, her mind racing with fear but also desperation. "Okay... do whatever you need to. I... I just need her to be okay."

Andrew, speaking in Italian to Carina, "Sorella, ti prego, fidati di me. Mi assicurerò che Maya ottenga le cure migliori possibili. La riporteremo a casa presto."

["Sister, please trust me. I will make sure Maya receives the best possible care. We'll bring her back home soon."]

Carina, her voice shaky but grateful, responded in Italian, "Lo so, fratellino. Spero solo che non sia troppo tardi. La amo così tanto."

["I know, little brother. I just hope it's not too late. I love her so much."]

Andrew, surprised by the intensity of Carina's words, glanced at her with a mix of concern and curiosity. He knew his sister was guarded with her emotions when it came to relationships, so hearing her express such deep love for Maya was unexpected and revealing.

Andrew, speaking softly in Italian to Carina, "È vero ciò che hai detto? L'ami davvero così tanto?"

["Is it true what you said? Do you really love her that much?"]

Carina, hearing Andrew's question, nodded with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. "Sì, fratellone. Maya è la persona più importante della mia vita. La amo con tutto il mio essere. Non riesco nemmeno a immaginare la vita senza di lei."

["Yes, little brother. Maya is the most important person in my life. I love her with all my being. I can't even imagine life without her."]

Andrew, seeing the sincerity in his sister's eyes, felt a mix of protectiveness and admiration. He had never seen her so vulnerable and open about her feelings before.

Andrew, gently, asked, "Da quanto tempo siete insieme?"

["How long have you two been together?"]

Carina, still in Italian, responds to her brother. "Non da molto tempo. Siamo insieme da due settimane. Ma è come se fosse da sempre. Con lei mi sento completa, come se fosse il pezzo che mi mancava."